A Major Shift Toward Crypto-Friendly Policy
Jordan is officially preparing to lift its long-standing ban on cryptocurrency trading, marking one of the most significant regulatory shifts in the Middle East this year. The Jordan Securities Commission (JSC) confirmed that a comprehensive digital-asset framework will be completed before year-end, signaling the country’s pivot from prohibition to modernization.
This new direction follows the cabinet’s landmark decision in October to reverse restrictions that had mirrored strict stances in other Arab nations. Those bans were largely driven by concerns over financial risk, fraud, and money laundering, and residents who violated them previously faced heavy fines and even jail time.
Now, Jordan is ready to move toward a regulated and transparent crypto environment, aiming to attract investment and stimulate the national economy.
Building the Kingdom’s First Digital-Asset Rulebook
The JSC was tasked earlier this year with building a full legal structure for digital assets, and officials now say the work is nearly complete. JSC Chairman Emad Abu Haltam emphasized that the goal is to create secure and trusted digital-asset markets, stating clearly:
He added that the new system will rely on strong governance standards, strict technical requirements, and full compliance with anti-money-laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CFT) rules.
Once finalized, the Virtual Currency Trading Law of 2025 will govern all crypto activity in the country and limit operations to entities licensed by the JSC.
From Criminal Penalties to Legal Adoption
Jordan’s previous rules were among the strictest in the region. Residents caught trading crypto on unlicensed platforms risked large monetary penalties or imprisonment, and authorities routinely blocked access to crypto websites and exchanges.
The new framework reverses that approach entirely. Instead of punishment, the government aims to integrate crypto into the formal economy through licensing, oversight, and compliance mechanisms.
The law will also empower the Central Bank of Jordan to authorize the use of digital assets for payments under specific regulations. While crypto won’t be recognized as legal tender, the change allows regulated payment solutions to emerge for the first time in the country.
Preparing the Ground for a Regulated Market
Once the new framework is in place, regulators will begin supervising:
- Brokerage and exchange operations
- Custody services and wallet providers
- Trading platforms and order-matching systems
- Token issuance and capital-raising services
Officials say the goal is to develop a transparent, trustworthy, and technically robust ecosystem, one that aligns with international standards and attracts foreign investors.
The government also retains the authority to shut down any unlicensed services, ensuring only compliant entities operate in the market.
A Strategic Pivot for Jordan’s Digital Future
Jordan’s decision represents a major policy evolution, coming less than a year after its prohibition was lifted. The shift mirrors a regional trend of Middle Eastern nations exploring digital modernization through blockchain technology.
If executed successfully, Jordan could establish itself as a regional hub for regulated crypto activity, balancing innovation with strict compliance.
